President Bola Tinubu has issued a firm directive to state governors across the country: no more issuing planning approvals without federal collaboration, especially on lands affecting national infrastructure projects.
Speaking Thursday at the commissioning of the access road to the Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos, Tinubu emphasized the need for coordination between states and federal authorities, warning that uncoordinated approvals risk derailing key national projects—particularly his administration’s flagship highway initiatives.
“Dear governors, let’s work together,” Tinubu said, his tone both firm and conciliatory. “Do not give planning approvals without consulting the Surveyor General of the Federation and the Ministry of Works. I appeal to you.”
This isn’t the first time the President has sounded the alarm. Just days earlier, at the launch of Phase 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Tinubu had warned against unauthorized development on road setbacks—areas reserved for future road expansions.
On Thursday, he doubled down.
“We are serious about this,” Tinubu said. “Any planning approvals already granted for illegal constructions on federal highway setbacks will be revoked.”
According to him, setbacks—typically ranging from three to nine metres—must be preserved to protect the integrity of long-term infrastructure development.
The President also used the occasion to clear the air on what he described as “misunderstandings” surrounding the scale and funding of some of his government’s infrastructure projects.
Taking the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as an example, Tinubu clarified that the project is being executed in sections, not as a single 750 km stretch as speculated.
“No contractor has been awarded the entire corridor,” he said. “The Federal Executive Council approved that these projects be awarded in segments. We are building systematically, and transparently.”
He cited ongoing works along several routes—including the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, a 47-year-old project now revived under his administration.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Inaugurates 180MW Afam II Power Plant, Hails Private Sector Drive
Progress, he noted, has been recorded in Kebbi and Sokoto states, with multiple segments already under construction or flagged off.
“This is more than just roads,” he said. “We’re connecting agriculture hubs, trade corridors, energy sites, and communities across the country.”
Tinubu also gave updates on works in Cross River and Akwa Ibom, as well as designs underway for the Trans-Sahara Trade Route connecting Calabar to Abuja through Ebonyi, Benue, and Nasarawa.
On the sidelines of the event, the President toured the Dangote Refinery and praised the scale of private investment it represents.
“It’s a massive investment—one of the great phenomena of our time,” Tinubu said of the refinery. “And I’m glad that the Lekki Deep Sea Port I initiated as Governor of Lagos is now a reality, saving businesses huge costs.”
He acknowledged the contributions of private sector giants like Dangote Industries, BUA Group, and Hitech Construction under the Tax Credit Road Programme, thanking them for their ongoing partnership in developing Nigeria’s infrastructure.
The event was graced by several high-profile figures, including the governors of Kaduna, Abia, Enugu, and Borno states, as well as the deputy governor of Lagos.
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, BUA Group’s Abdulsamad Rabiu, billionaire Femi Otedola, and Zenith Bank founder Jim Ovia were also in attendance.
As the President pushes forward with his infrastructure agenda, the message to state leaders is clear: Nigeria’s road to development must be paved with collaboration.